Korean Fried Rice
Korean Fried Rice is a flavorful, savory dish featuring rice stir-fried with ham and green onions, perfect for quick meals and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Precook rice and refrigerate.
- Cut ham into square cubes and chop green onions.
- Preheat a large frying pan with oil over medium heat.
- Add the ham and green onions to the pan and stir-fry briefly.
- Add the cooked rice and stir-fry until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old rice as it is dryer and helps achieve the desired texture. If you don't have ham, diced chicken or tofu can work as substitutes. Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color. A splash of soy sauce can enhance the flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid making the dish too wet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Korean Fried Rice with a fried egg on top for added richness and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Pork Tenderloins With Spicy Chinese Sauce for a complete meal. Consider a side of kimchi for a traditional touch or a fresh salad to balance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to revive the crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Korean Fried Rice contains roughly 1100 calories, with 20g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1633mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just add them to the pan along with the ham and green onions, allowing extra cooking time for them to thaw and heat through. This can add color and nutrition to your fried rice.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Jasmine or short-grain rice works best for fried rice due to their sticky texture. However, long-grain rice like basmati can also be used if it’s cooked and cooled properly. The key is to ensure the rice is cold to prevent clumping.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this fried rice vegetarian, omit the ham and replace it with diced tofu or tempeh. You can also add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas to enhance the dish. Use soy sauce or tamari for seasoning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).